Intervening Interfacial Reaction Between Refractory and Rare Earth-Bearing Molten Steel by Pulsed Electric Current to Inhibit the Clogging of Submerged Entry Nozzle

Pulsed electric current is used to inhibit the erosion of rare earth-bearing molten steel to refractory by interfering with its interface reaction. The refractory samples are eroded by molten steel for 5–30 min, and the average thickness of the erosion layer increases by 397% from 160 μm to 795 μm. However, the average thickness of the erosion layer only increases by 40% from 150 to 210 μm under the action of pulsed electric current. The desiliconization and oxidation of Ce/La at interface lead to a loose and porous erosion layer and the formation of initial deposits CeAlO 3 /LaAlO 3 and CeAl 11 O 18 /LaAl 11 O 18 . The adhesion of inclusions to the deposits leads to an increase in the thickness of the erosion layer. However, the pulsed electric current inhibits the desiliconization and oxidation of RE, thereby forming a Si-rich amorphous phase, which coats on refractory surface and acts as a protective film to reduce further erosion of the refractory by the molten steel. As a result, the refractory material forms a dense erosion layer and a smooth surface under the action of pulsed electric current.